Freedom for Children to Grow

Read our new page explaining why now is a good time to write to your MP, with links to background information plus a sample letter for you to customise.

Also think about going to visit your MP. This is a chance to raise awareness of home education and to dispel prejudices and stereotypes. Your MP will also be much more motivated to speak in Parliament on behalf of home educators if he or she has actually met a home educating family. Read more here and check out our list of MPs here.

Political representatives have an obligation to represent the views of everyone in their constituency- irrespective of whether or not you support or vote for them. They are the link between people and policy making bodies.

You need to find out who is your constituency MP. You can do this by putting your postcode into the search box at TheyWorkForYou.

Once you have a name you can email using Write to Them or phone/email the constituency surgery. You can find details of the constituency office and surgery hours by putting your MP's name into google plus "constituency office". Alternatively you can look on your local council website. Surgeries are often held at the end of the week, either on Friday or Saturday when the MP returns from a week at Westminster.

The more home educators who contact the same MP the better, either with separate visits/emails or by organising a joint visit. We have been told that if an MP receives three messages from different constituents on the same issue then it is a hot topic.

Sometimes a visit to your MP can produce extremely successful results. For example, several home educators in Westminster went to see their MP Mark Field and after a number of conversations with Mark and with his researcher, there was a private members debate in parliament which you can read here.

Home educators in Cumbria and Somerset have previously invited MPs to visit their local groups and have had Early Day Motions published in parliament and useful questions raised on their behalf.

Your MP might write to the Secretary of State on your behalf or ask questions in Parliament. Your MP might also speak or write to to the leader of the party or to the relevant spokesperson in the party for children or for education.

Think about what you want to say in advance. Think about what you want your MP to do. Why do you feel so strongly about the the Government's proposals? How will it affect your family? Explain why home education works well for your family.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE - Never underestimate the importance of sharing your own story, case histories make a big impression.

Bear in mind that your MP may know next to nothing about home education. MPs might also have their own views about safeguarding or educational standards and it is important to prepare yourself mentally for a conversation with someone who might initially appear not to be 100% on board with your views.

Email before and after the visit with background information and links.

It can be helpful to do a little research into the MPs background - this might give you an insight into which line of questioning may be of most interest to them and which questions they might raise with you.

Which party does the MP represent? Do they hold any particular positions? What subjects have they shown an interest in?

Many now have their own websites with their background, press cuttings, details of constituency work etc. It is not necessary to do this but it may be helpful. It could also be viewed as an educational project for your family ;0)